Automobile window screen



Feb. 22, 1955 w, c, MQRRQW AUTOMOBILE WINDOW SCREEN Filed Feb. 20, 1950m 7 V R 3 N o 3% M av. R G K q 6 ll MW 7 m F W V: B Q l m kW 9 7 3 3 vMN 7 h W a G V II A\ V m m.

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ATTORNEYS United States Patent AUTOMOBILE WINDOW SCREEN Walker C.Morrow, Dearborn, Mich.

Application February 20, 1950, Serial No. 145,228

10 Claims. (Cl. 160354) The present invention relates to an automobilewindow screen.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a window screencapable of fitting window openings of different sizes and shapes.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a windowscreen which when not in use may be collapsed so as to occupy spacewhich is a fraction of the space occupied by the uncollapsed screen.

It is a feature of the present invention to provide a window screenincluding a flexible resilient expansible border frame associated with ascreen panel adapted to overlie the edge of the frame to provide aclosure when the frame is in different adjusted positions with respectto size and/or shape.

It is a feature of the present invention to provide a window screen ofthe type described having a border frame element comprising a strip oftransversely curved aesilient metal tending normally to assume astraight conition.

It is a further feature of the present invention to provide supportingmeans for association with a vehicle window comprising a channel partadapted to receive a border of the screen frame, and a mounting partadapted to enter into the guide slot provided in the window opening forthe movement of the glass window therein (or clip over the glass at thebottom).

Other objects and features of the invention will become apparent as thedescription proceeds, especially when taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of a portion of a motor vehicle showing theimproved window screen in position.

Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the window screen andthe associated supports.

Figure 3 is an enlarged fragmentary section on the line 3-3, Figure 1.

Figure 4 is an enlarged sectional view on the line 4--4, Figure 2.

Figure 5 is a sectional view on the line 5-5, Figure 3.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a modified form of frame supportingelement.

Figure 7 is a fragmentary view partly in section illustrating a modifiedform of frame.

Figure 8 is a side elevation of the frame portion illustrated in Figure7.

Figure 9 is an enlarged detail view of a portion of Figure 3.

Referring first to Figure 1 there is illustrated a portion of a motorvehicle 10 having a window opening 12 therein which is normally closedby a glass window movable vertically between closing position andconcealed position within the door of the vehicle. With the glass windowlowered into concealed position the window screen 14 is positioned so asto completely close the window opening 12. The window screen 14 isparticularly useful where it is desired to keep the windows of thevehicle open for ventilation purposes and at the same time to excludeinsects and the like.

Referring now to Figure 2 the window screen 14 is illustrated ascomprising a border frame and a screen panel 22.

Conveniently, the border frame is formed of a continuous resilient metalstrip which is transversely curved and which as a result of itsconformation tends to assume a straight line condition. Alternatively,the strip may be flat or may include rigid elements interconnected atcor- 2,702,596 Patented Feb. 22, 1955 ner portions by resilient members.However, in the preferred embodiment of the invention the border framecomprises a single unitary transversely curved metal strip. Strips ofthis type are familiar in measuring tapes in which the strip may beforced into a spiral convolution by forcing it through a slot into acylindrical case. However, as the strip is withdrawn from the case itstrongly tends to assume a straight condition although it may be bent bythe application of transverse force.

Adjacent one end of the strip comprising the border frame 20 is securedan open loop 24, having space therein to permit the opposite end 26 ofthe strip 20 to be inserted through the loop as shown. By drawing moreor less of the end 26 of the strip 20 through the loop, the areaenclosed by the loop may be varied. An adjustable abutment 27 is securedadjacent to the end 26 of the strip by a set-screw or the like 28.Abutment 27 will engage loop 24 to limit the amount of the end 26 whichcan be drawn through loop 24. Abutment 27 is adjusted to cause theborder frame to be of required size when the abutment engages the loop.

The transversely curved resilient metal strip is preferably disposed sothat it is concave outwardly when the frame is assembled as is wellillustrated in Figures 3 and 5. This has two important advantages. Inthe first place it presses the edges of the strip projecting slightlyoutwardly beyond the intermediate transversely curved portions so thatthey seat most effectively in the mounting means later to be described.In the second place, the transversely curved strip exhibits morerigidity and particularly in that portion thereof which constitutes theupper border element of the frame. In the construction illustrated inFigure l the border element is unsupported except at its corners and issubjected not only to weight but also to some tension of the fabrictending to cause the upper border element to bend downwardly. Bydisposing the transversely curved metal strip in the upper border frameelement so that it is upwardly concave, or outwardly concave withrespect to the screen, it is more rigid and more readily retains itsstraight line relations 1p.

Associated with the border frame 20 is the screen panel 22 which mayconveniently be formed of an open mesh fabric or netting. This fabric ispreferably provided in generally rectangular shape of a size toapproximately fit a window opening. Its marginal edges are turned overand secured to provide an open hem indicated at 30 in which open hem isprovided a drawstring 32. The drawstring may be tightened to draw theedges of the panel about the border frame so that the panel may bemaintained fiat and under appreciable tension when the border frame isin different positions of adjustment with respect to both included areaand shape.

In order to mount the window screen in the window opening there areprovided a plurality of mounting members 40 which comprise frameengaging channels 42 and laterally spaced projections 44 extendingoutwardly from the bottom or closed side of the channels 42. The members44 may as illustrated in Figure 2, comprise prongs struck out of thebottom wall of the channel 42. Alternatively, if desired, the channel 42may be provided with an attached smaller channel member 46 havinglaterally spaced side walls 48 and 50. In either case the supports areadapted to be received within the slots located at the sides and bottomof the window opening or clip over the bottom glass. The mountingportions 44 are adapted to enter the slots 52 provided at the sides ofthe window structure in a slotted sealing element 54 and to engage theside walls so as to be retained in position. The support 40 which islocated at the bottom of the window, fits into the space between thesealing members 56 and 58 and may also fit over and engage oppositesides of the top edge of the window glass 60. The supports are thusfrictionally retained in position in the slots. However, when the screenframe is in position as will subsequently be described, the expansiveforce of the screen frame also tends to hold the supports in position sothat the parts together cooperate to support the screen accurately inthe window opening and particularly, to support it against transversemovement with respect to the plane of the window opening.

The prongs 44 are preferable because the mounting members are moreeconomical to produce. Moreover, by providing a plurality of prongs 44these prongs may be bent outwardly or inwardly so as to have properfitting and supporting engagement with the window glass slots or withthe edge of the window.

Instead of providing the border frame of a single continuoustransversely curved metal strip, it may include relatively rigid sideportions 70 and flexible portions 72 located adjacent the corners of theframe. The portions 72 are preferably resilient and tend to assume astraight condition. For this purpose they may be either flat ortransversely curved as indicated in Figure 8.

As best seen in Figurefl, one or more of the resilient corner portions72 may if desired be provided with bayonet slots 74 adapted to fit overheaded pins 76 carried by an end of an adjacent rigid side member 70. Atthe same time the opposite end of the element 72 may be mounted forswinging movement to the element 70 to which it is secured about theaxis of an attaching rivet 78 or the like. Accordingly, when the windowscreen is removed from the window opening the frame may be withdrawnfrom the screening panel and the separate side elements of the frame maybe disconnected. After disconnecting each side element and the resilientcorner portions secured thereto from the adjacent rigid side element,the resilient corner portions may be swung about the axis of their pivotconnections to lie along the rigid side members. This permits storage ofthe screen construction in a very small space.

In order to impart lateral rigidity to the frame constructed by therigid bar 70 and the resilient corner portion 72 guide projections 79may be provided at the ends of the rigid bar members 70. Theseprojections may be formed by embossing the bar 70 or by ears bentupwardly at the corners of the bar. Due to the resilient nature of thespring 72, the spring may be swung about the pivot established by theconnection 78 and will snap into place between the projections. If theshorter end of the spring 72 extends far enough from the pivit 78, thespring 72 will also be resiliently retained in alignment with the bar 70when the spring 72 is generally aligned therewith.

One important advantage of the present construction is that the sameelements comprising the window screen may be adjusted as to size so asto close the opening remaining when the window glass is in partly closedposition. Thus, the mounting means may be positioned solely from theupper edge of the window glass 60 which may be spaced from the top ofthe window opening by a predetermined amount. This is particularlydesirable where the vehicle is employed for sleeping purposes and it isdesired to establish a predetermined amount of cross ventilation and atthe same time to avoid the effect of a full window opening. The screenframe may be adjusted to enclose a much smaller area so as to correspondto the desired amount of window opening, and the screen fabric may beadjusted as described above to cooperate with the smaller screen frame.

The embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figures 1 through 5 hasthe same feature of compact storage. In this case the set screw 28 isloosened and the end 26 of the strip is withdrawn from the loops 24. Dueto the inherent tendency of the strip to assume a straight condition, itwill straighten out at this time. However, it may be rolled up into avery small coil either manually or by inserting it into a hollowcylindrical case through a slot therein.

In either case the screening panel may be folded up or wrapped aroundthe collapsed border frame so that the entire assembly takes up verylittle space when not in use.

The embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 through 5 is particularlyadaptable to fit window openings which may vary substantially both inshape and size. The total area enclosed by the frame may of course bevaried by adjusting the end 26 of the strip through the guide members24. After the frame has been adjusted to enclose the desired area, thescreen panel is located over the frame and will retain it inapproximately rectangular shape. However, this shape may besubstantially varied. Thus for example, with a given adjustment of theframe, it may be kept in a rectangular configuration and the heightincreased or decreased while the length varies in an opposite sense.Moreover, it is not necessary to keep the an inclined side, it will bereadily apparent that the frame may be shaped to conform thereto. If theframe is adjusted to enclose a smaller area, the panel may still be keptflat and under some tension relative thereto by drawing in on thedrawstring 32.

It may be mentioned at this time that the transversely curved resilientmetal strip when its ends are brought together so as to define a loop,tends to straighten out at every corner thereof with the result that theframe as as a whole may be considered as expansible This property of theframe tends to retain side elements thereof in closely fitting relationwith the channels 42 of the supports. A similar result is accomplishedby providing the flexible resilient members 72 only at the corners ofthe frame, where these elements are normally straight, and tendresiliently to return to straight condition when bent in theconfiguration illustrated in Figure 7. It will be observed that the fiatmetal strip employed in the frame is in all cases disposed with itswidth dimension perpendicular to the plane of the frame, so that thecorners of the frame comprise bent strip portions.

The drawings and the foregoing specification constitute a description ofthe improved automobile window screen in such full, clear, concise andexact terms as to enable any person skilled in the art to practice theinvention, the scope of which is indicated by the appended claims.

What I claim as my invention is:

l. A screen closure for use in automobiles comprising a screen panelhaving straight edges shaped to fit within a window opening of anautomobile when the window is open, an open hem surrounding said panel,a drawstring in said hem, a frame formed of a single transversely curvedmetal strip element with its ends connected to form a closed loop anddisposed with its width dimension perpendicular to the plane of theframe, said panel having its edge portions folded rearwardly over anedge of said frame around substantially the entire circumferencethereof, said drawstring being tightened to retain said panel on saidframe and to tension the panel into flat condition.

2. A screening device comprising a frame formed essentially of a singlestrip of transversely curved crosssection capable of being bent abruptlyto form a generally rectangular shape with straight sides, top, andbottom, one end of said strip having a loop carried thereby, theopposite end of said strip being slidably received in said loop to forma closed frame, the said opposite end of said strip having an adjustableabutment carried thereby to determine the length of said opposite endwhich can pass through said loop, a screen panel of open mesh fabrichaving an open hem thereabout, a drawstring in said hem, the hemmed edgeof said panel being turned over the outside of said frame wherebytightening of said drawstring causes the said opposite end of said stripto move through said loop until said abutment engages said loop, therebycompleting assembly of said panel and frame and simultaneously bringingsaid frame to a dimension predetermined by initial adjustment of saidabutment.

3. A window screen comprising screening material having a peripherydefined by a plurality of straight sides and connecting corner portions,a frame comprising a single elongated strip of resilient material oftransverse arcuate curvature having its width dimension extendingtransversely of said frame, said strip normally tending to remain inlongitudinal straight condition due to its transverse curvature butbendable to form relatively abruptly curved corner portions, meansinterconnecting the ends of said strip to form a continuous closed loop,said screening material having means about its periphery engaged over anedge of said frame about substantially the entire periphery thereof, andmeans for releasably re taining said last-named means engaged over theedge of said frame, said frame being bendable to conform to the cornerportions thereof while providing relatively stiff straight sidesintermediate said corners.

4. Structure as defined in claim 3 in which said means about theperiphery of said screening material comprises a reversely turned edgeportion thereof providing a continuous inwardly open frame receivingpocket.

5. A screening device comprising a frame in the form of a single unitaryflexible metal strip of transversely curved cross-section having itswidth dimension extending perpendicular to the plane of the frame, saidstrip frame rectangular since if the window opening includes beingadapted to assume a generally quadrilateral shape and including side,top and bottom portions which are straight and which oppose substantialresistance to forces tending to bend said portions, and arcuately bentcorner portions tending to assume a straight condition, means forexpanding and contracting said frame to vary the area enclosed therebyand to conform said frame to different sized window openings, ascreening panel formed of an open finish fabric, an open hem surroundingsaid panel, a drawstring in said hem, the edge of said panel beingfolded over an edge of said frame around substantially the entireperiphery thereof and retained in place by said drawstring.

6. A screen closure comprising a frame in the form of a single elongatedstrip of resilient material of transverse arcuate curvature having itswidth dimension extending transversely of said frame, said strip beingarranged in a closed loop and including straight portions which opposesubstantial resistance to forces tending to bend said portions, roundedcorner portions interconnecting said straight portions and tending toassume a straight condition, a screening panel formed of open meshfabric, an open hem surrounding said screening panel, and a drawstringin said hem, the edge of said screening panel being folded over an edgeof said frame around substantially the entire periphery thereof andretained in place by said drawstring.

7. A screening device comprising a frame adapted to assume a generallyquadrilateral shape and including side, top, and bottom portions whichare straight and which oppose substantial resistance to forces tendingto bend said portions, and arcuately bent corner portions of flexiblemetal strip material of transverse arcuate curvature disposed with thewidth dimension perpendicular to the plane of the frame and tending toassume a straight condition, said frame being expansible andcontractable to vary the area enclosed thereby and to conform said frameto different sized window openings, a screening panel formed of an openmesh fabric, an open hem surrounding said panel, the hemmed edge of saidpanel being folded over an edge of said frame around substantially theentire periphery thereof, and a drawstring in said hem, wherebytightening of said drawstring retains said panel assembled on said frameand contracts said frame to a size determined by the area desired to beenclosed thereby.

8. A device as defined in claim 7 in which said frame comprises separatestraight side, top and bottom elements, and flexible metal stripslocated at the corners of said frame and connected at their ends toadjacent elements, said strips being disposed with their widthdimensions perpendicular to the plane of said frame.

9. A device as defined in claim 7 in which said frame comprises separatestraight side, top, and bottom elements, and flexible leaf springslocated at the corners of said frame, one end of each spring beingpivoted to the end of an adjacent element for swinging movementtransversely of the frame, and a releasable connection between the otherend of each spring and the end of the adjacent element.

10. A device as defined in claim 9 comprising projections adjacent theends of said elements to which said springs are pivoted serving toreleasably retain said springs disposed in the plane of said frame.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS129,665 Howard July 23, 1872 260,707 Pendleton July 4, 1882 1,131,204Bridges Mar. 9, 1915 1,378,904 Schuermann May 24, 1921 1,758,849 PerronMay 13, 1930 1,965,644 Hefielfinger July 10, 1934 2,055,862 FriedmanSept. 29, 1936 2,108,684 Lynch Feb. 15, 1938 2,388,747 Kolarik Nov. 13,1945 2,598,770 Drozt June 3, 1952

